Savannah & The Golden Isles

Transcription

1 GEORGIA Savannah & The Golden Isles Guest Handbook

2 Table of Contents Tour Itinerary Overview... 3 Tour Facts at a Glance... 6 Traveling To and From Your Tour... 8 Information & Policies... 9 The United States at a Glance Packing List / countrywalkers.com Otago, LLC dba Country Walkers

3 Tour Itinerary Overview TOUR MEETING POINT AND TIME Andaz Savannah (lobby), Savannah, GA, 9:00 a.m. DAY 1 Savannah; 2-3 miles, easy. Bonaventure Sculpture Garden & Wormsloe Plantation; 3-4 miles, easy Andaz Savannah Savannah, GA Tel Savannah.andaz.hyatt.com Wireless Internet, hair dryers, and laundry service available. DAY 2 Fort Pulaski; 2-3 miles, easy. Transfer to Little St. Simons Island The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island Little Simons Island, GA Tel lodge@littlessi.com Wireless Internet, hair dryers, and laundry service available countrywalkers.com

4 DAY 3 Little St. Simons Island; 3-5 miles, easy. Optional kayaking, biking, skiffexploration, or fishing The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island DAY 4 Little St. Simons Island; 2-3 miles, easy or kayak excursion. Transfer to Jekyll Island Jekyll Island Club Hotel Jekyll Island, GA Tel mail@jekyllclub.com Wireless Internet, hair dryers, and laundry service available. DAY 5 Cumberland Island National Seashore; 3-5 miles, easy with a longer, more moderate option Jekyll Island Club Hotel DAY 6 Jekyll Island Driftwood Beach; 2 miles, easy. Transfer to Savannah TOUR DEPARTURE POINTS AND TIMES Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), 10:00 a.m. Andaz Savannah, Savannah, GA, 10:30 a.m countrywalkers.com

5 TRAVEL DELAY AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE If you are delayed while traveling, or experience any unforeseen situation en route to your tour, assistance is only a few, easy steps away: As a Country Walkers guest, you benefit from 24-hour, toll free access to One Call Emergency Hotline and Travel Assistance. Call the numbers below from anywhere in the world to get immediate assistance (regarding everything from lost luggage, to missed connections, to health concerns or notifying your guides or our local partners of a delayed arrival). To contact One Call, please use one of the following methods: By mail@oncallinternational.com By Text: By Phone: If calling from within the USA: If calling from outside the USA: or When calling from outside the USA, you will need to dial the access code for the country you are calling from (a complete list of access codes, provided by AT&T, can be found on the Country Walkers website under Travel Planning and Travel Resources: AT&T International Access Codes. If you receive an automated response, when prompted, you can then enter either of the numbers above; One Call accepts collect calls 24/7. In the unlikely event you are unable to connect by phone with One Call, or the region you are calling from does not have an access code, you should speak with a live international operator and ask them to place a collect call to or Should there be any problems placing a collect call (as is occasionally the case depending on the country), dial, , or text One Call directly and ask them to return your call immediately to minimize any out of pocket costs countrywalkers.com

6 Tour Facts at a Glance TOUR LENGTH Tour Only: 6 Days, 5 Nights ACTIVITY LEVEL This tour is one of our Guided Walking Adventures, rated easy with an occasional moderate option, including an average of 3 to 6 miles walking per day. Your walks will feature mostly flat terrain, including trails along the coast, on sandy beaches, and on city streets. Trails can be uneven with roots. The days on this tour allow for inclusions of cultural and historical importance. SPECIFICS TO NOTE» This tour includes four short ferry transfers through calm water.» Hiking boots with a thick and sturdy tread and ankle support are required and walking sticks are recommended even if you do not usually use them.» On Little St. Simon s island please know that you will be joining the lodge s naturalist s guides for excursions on the island. As these walks are run by the lodge, other hotel guests are able to join and will walk with you for these portions of the tour. TOUR ONLY INCLUSIONS» Two expert, local guides (for groups of 8 or more), with you 24/7» All meals except for one dinner; wine or beer included with dinners» All accommodations while on tour» Transportation from the meeting point to the departure point» Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary» Destination information (weather, visa requirements, etc.)» travel assistance available 24/7 provided by One Call International» The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff countrywalkers.com

7 GRATUITIES Gratuities for all hotels, meals, and services that are included in your tour price will be paid by Country Walkers. Should you wish to tip your Country Walkers guide(s), the standard in the industry ranges from $10 to $15 per person, per guide, per day (or $20 to $30 per couple, per guide, per day), and can be paid in USD or local currency. SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL Country Walkers is a leader in active travel with responsible tourism an integral part of our core values. Our tours reflect our dedication to best travel practices and to the preservation of indigenous cultures and the environment. Country Walkers has made a donation on behalf of every traveler to the CW Travelers Fund, which supports designated projects in the communities and habitats in which we travel. We invite you to learn more about our efforts and initiatives for giving back countrywalkers.com

8 Traveling To and From Your Tour TOUR MEETING POINT AND TIME Andaz Savannah (lobby), Savannah, GA, 9:00 a.m. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt. Please be dressed for walking. MOST CONVENIENT AIRPORT Savannah s International Airport (SAV) is the most convenient airport savannahairport.com GETTING TO THE MEETING POINT A taxi from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to the Andaz Savannah costs approximately $30 and takes 15 minutes. PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATIONS We recommend spending your pre-tour night at our meeting hotel, the Andaz Savannah, a small boutique hotel conveniently located downtown. We suggest making a hotel reservation at your earliest convenience as this hotel is very popular. Andaz Savannah 14 Barnard Street Savannah, GA Tel savannah.andaz.hyatt.com Wireless Internet, hair dryers, and laundry service available. DELAYS AND LATE ARRIVALS If you are delayed or miss the scheduled group meeting point for any reason, we kindly request that you contact our emergency assistance provider, One Call International. This service is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week to assist you with any type of travel delay. Please refer to the Emergency Contact details on your Tour Itinerary Overview page for One Call International contact details. TOUR DEPARTURE POINT AND TIME Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), 10:00 a.m. Andaz Savannah, Savannah, GA, 10:30 a.m countrywalkers.com

9 Information & Policies ITINERARY CHANGES We reserve the right to alter the itinerary, since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance and unforeseen circumstances may arise that mandate change. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience. GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Country Walkers guarantees the departure of every tour* which guarantees peace of mind for every guest! From the moment you make your deposit, you can start preparing for your adventure. We take care of all the details to ensure a seamless, small-group experience (with an average of 6 or 7 guests per guide). *except in cases of force majeure GUEST RESPONSIBILITIES Each guest has the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to his/her abilities and interests and to prepare for the trip by carefully reading the confirmation materials. To join this trip, you must be in good health and capable of completing activities as described in the day-to-day itinerary. Our in-house experts welcome the opportunity to discuss the tour in more detail. In order to meet your needs, we ask that you please share any relevant physical limitations or health conditions when you make your reservation. Prior to your adventure you will be asked to sign a Participation Agreement to accept your responsibilities and you will receive:» Luggage tags» List of travel companions and guide biographies PAYMENTS Final payment for all trips must be made in full to Country Walkers at least 90 days prior to departure. Reservations will be cancelled if final payment is not received by the due date and cancellation charges will apply. To secure reservations on a trip departing within 90 days, full payment is required by credit card at the time of booking countrywalkers.com

10 CHANGES IN PLANS Up to 91 days prior to departure, you may transfer your Tour Only reservation, depending on availability, from one departure to another (on the same itinerary, in the same calendar year) at no cost.* Please notify us in writing. *One transfer per year; afterwards a modest per person transfer fee will apply. Please note that tours with seasonal pricing may involve a higher price point. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Cancellations must be made in writing and fees are applied as noted. Cancellation refunds will be calculated as of the date we receive your written cancellation. All payments for travel services not provided to the guest will be refunded in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and in accordance with Country Walkers cancellation policy. Exceptions to this cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including personal emergencies, illness, or weather. Guided Adventures» Cancellations received on or before 91 days prior to the start of the trip: $150 per person» Cancellations received 90 to 61 days prior to the start of the trip: 25 percent loss of trip price» Cancellations received 60 or fewer days prior to the start of the trip: 100 percent loss of trip price TRAVEL INSURANCE We offer guests the opportunity to purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please contact us for details countrywalkers.com

11 The United States at a Glance ENTRY REQUIREMENTS For information about entry requirements, see travel.state.gov. CURRENCY For up-to-date exchange rates for the U.S. dollar with other currencies, see oanda.com. Always contact your bank or your credit-card company for details on fees and card use when traveling. Travel Tip Have a variety of monetary options to start your trip: cash, ATM card(s), and credit card(s). TIME ZONE Find the official time at your U.S. destination at time.gov. PHONE & INTERNET Cell phone coverage throughout the United States is extensive, but cannot be guaranteed to be accessible on all mobile carriers or to function at all times while on the trail or in remote areas. For more information regarding international phone use, please refer to countrywalkers.com/phones. Internet access is generally very good in towns and villages; however, it is not guaranteed at all of the hotels used on the tour. For more details regarding Wi- Fi availability, please refer to the Tour Itinerary Overview. LANGUAGE The official language of the United States is English. ELECTRICITY Alternating current of 120V and 60Hz is used in the United States. The majority of plugs are Type B, with two square and one round prong. For a full listing of electrical outlets worldwide, see electricaloutlet.org countrywalkers.com

12 WEATHER Country Walkers visits a range of U.S. destinations, spanning the continent from Maine to Washington State. Tour dates coincide with the ideal weather and conditions for an active vacation. Fall in New England means stunning foliage, warm days, and crisp nights. Spring and fall in the desert climates of California s Death Valley, Colorado, and Utah start off with chilly mornings that turn into dry and sunny days. Summer in Washington State, Montana, and California can offer sunny days and cooler nights with local variation and seasonal precipitation in all regions. For up-to-date forecasts, see qwikcast.com. For historical average temperatures and rainfall, see weatherbase.com. Travel Tip For international visitors bringing a hair dryer or other electrical device: Bringing your own hair dryer or other electrical device? You ll need a travel converter, available at most hardware, travel, or consumer electronic stores. For laptops or an electronic device with a dual voltage switch, you ll need the adapter plug but not a converter. FOOD & DRINK In addition to the well-known standard repertoire of American food, considerable regional variation reflects the cultural heritage and seasonal harvest of individual areas. In the southwestern states and California, dishes are Mexican- and cowboy-influenced. In Washington State, the bounty includes fresh salmon and other Pacific seafood. In Montana, game, freshly caught fish, and steaks predominate. And in New England, seasonal produce and local specialties such as cheese and maple syrup are ubiquitous, and of course, delectable Maine lobster and seafood are a highlight countrywalkers.com

13 LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES Shopping and banking hours Shops and stores are generally open Monday to Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shopping malls, department stores, and supermarkets are open all day, every day of the week, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (or later; check locally). Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and some branches are open from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Mealtimes Breakfast is served at hotels from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. In restaurants, lunch is served from noon to 3:00 p.m. and dinner is usually served from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (but with substantial local variation). Tipping In restaurants and bars, leave 15 to 20 percent of the total. Taxi drivers receive 10 to 15 percent of the fare. For luggage assistance, from $2 to $5 depending on the service offered. Travel Tip For both U.S. and international travelers, a fascinating resource on American history and culture is the U.S. Library of Congress: loc.gov. Originating as Thomas Jefferson s personal collection, the library maintains a website that is not only a library catalog, but a clearinghouse for wide-ranging information on U.S. history, folklife, geography, the performing arts, and more. TRAVEL RESOURCES National U.S. official tourist board discoveramerica.com Public holidays To assist in travel planning, it may be helpful to be aware of U.S. public holidays. See opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federalholidays/#url=2016 for an official list; and for a description of U.S. holidays, visit usa.gov/citizens/holidays.shtml countrywalkers.com

14 TRAVEL IN THE UNITED STATES A wealth of travel information is available at discoveramerica.com. For a list of all U.S. official state tourist boards, visit visittheusa.com/usa/official-links.aspx. Airports The United States has an enormous international and domestic air network with dozens of companies and hundreds of airports. For travel to various regions and airports, individual state tourist boards offer travel and airport information: visittheusa.com/usa/official-links.aspx. Trains Travel Tip Amtrak: amtrak.com, the national railway company site with schedules, fares, and pass options. Other local transportation Long-distance bus travel can also be a convenient way to reach a destination. National companies include Greyhound (greyhound.com), Trailways (trailways.com), and Megabus (megabus.com); check locally for smaller regional long-distance bus companies. Country Walkers U.S. itineraries include many of the country s best-known national parks; for more information, visit nps.gov Major car rental agencies are available at airports, city centers, and train and bus stations. Taxis are available at all major airports, cities, train and bus stations, and in smaller towns, and can be reserved in advance (your hotel can usually provide assistance). For more information contact Country Walkers countrywalkers.com

15 Packing List PACKING TIPS Pack light! Keep in mind there will be times you may have to carry your own luggage short distances, especially before and after your Country Walkers tour. Due to space constraints, we require you to limit your luggage to one medium piece (approximately 18x15x29 inches or 8,000 cu. in.) and one small carry-on, per person. We recommend packing any personal necessities, medications, your hotel itinerary/emergency contact information, your hiking boots (or shoes), and extra clothes in your carry-on luggage in the event that your baggage is delayed. We suggest leaving valuable jewelry at home. A copy of your passport or other important documents should be kept in a separate area of your luggage. Always be alert when carrying a purse, camera, money belt, or backpack in busy cities, airports, and train stations. FOOTWEAR» Hiking boots or shoes. There are many brands to choose from. Proper fit is crucial, so try on new boots or shoes while wearing socks you plan to use on tour. Be sure to break in new footwear well before your tour begins. By the time you re ready to join your walking tour, you should be able to complete 4-8 miles of walking without discomfort. We require lightweight boots or shoes with proper ankle support and good tread to ensure stability on all types of terrain. Waterproof footwear keeps feet dry in heavy rain and water resistant footwear keeps feet dry in heavy dew. Country Walkers reserves the right to deny participation to any guest not wearing appropriate footwear.» Comfortable shoes for evening strolls on uneven, cobblestone streets» Synthetic, moisture-wicking socks (cotton socks are not recommended for walking as they will quickly cause blisters)» Blister remedy CLOTHING» Lightweight, wash-and-wear long pants» Long-sleeved, wash-and-wear shirt» T-shirts and shorts» Polar fleece or light wool pullover (it will keep you warm even when wet) countrywalkers.com

16 » Dinner attire: dress is smart casual» Light jacket or sweater for evening strolls and alfresco dining OUTERWEAR» Waterproof rain gear: jacket, pants, hat, or hood» Windbreaker with hood (your rain gear may be suitable)» Hat with a broad brim or visor EQUIPMENT» Pack (minimum size of 25L): large enough to carry water, extra clothing, rain gear, and personal items (camera, etc.)» Waterproof cover for pack» Water bottle, canteen, or CamelBak-type water reservoir or hydration pack to carry your own water while walking (equivalent of one liter)» Sunblock and lip balm» Insect repellent» Sunglasses» Toilet kit for when facilities are not available on the walks. Include zip-lock baggies, tissues, and moist towelettes, which can be disposed of upon return to the hotel.» Personal first-aid kit including any medications you ordinarily take (in their original container) OPTIONAL» Telescopic walking sticks. (Please note that while telescopic walking sticks are recommended for this tour, they are not provided by Country Walkers. Therefore please plan on bringing your own should you wish to use them.)» Binoculars» Bathing suit for optional swimming in hotel pools» Flip flops or water sandals» Camera and charger and/or extra batteries» Zip-lock bags (to keep camera and valuables dry)» Small notebook and pen» Field guides (see enclosed reading list) countrywalkers.com

17 » Folding umbrella» Bandana» Hand sanitizer and/or moist towelettes» Alarm clock countrywalkers.com